The 2011 Château Des Charmes Chardonnay Barrel Fermented was first barrel fermented and then aged in French Oak for 9 months. It has intense aromas of citrus, candied fruit – papaya/pineapple, light vanilla and underbrush. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry/dry, fruity to integrated wine, with checked acidity, soft tannin and a medium, woody finish. Drink with most foods, especially seafood in white wine/garlic/onion sauce, or sip on its own; drink now-2016+. Drank remainder after 3 days in the fridge and the wine became more aromatic with Tutti frutti (candied fruit mentioned above) notes showing through. My impression: NICE to BEAUTIFUL, 89 pts – recommended for quality and price (can’t go wrong for $13.95). Tasted September/13.

See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:

http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections

or here @

http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy

Light gold in colour with a medium+ nose.

Positives: What a nice balanced Chard that is only $13.95, or even better at the clearance price of $11.20, which you really can't beat. This wine features a mild oak spice, lemon, melon, clementine, MacIntosh apple & limestone. Medium body with good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: I can just see myself on a nice summer day drinking this Chard at my favourite golf course patio after just posting a 62, then realizing that I did that only on the front nine. Oh well, I'll have another bottle please. Drink from the smaller Chardonnay glass. FYI it's -25 C with windchill right now!

Drink now on its own, as above, or pair it with chicken parmigiana.

Tasted: 24 Jan 13

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value:10/10, Total: 18.5+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

all of the chards from Chateau des Charmes have similar quality...buttery and oaky, but a bit sharp with a burnt pop corn finish. They all seem to share these qualities just with different intensities.